Wetland Classification and Mapping of Seward, Alaska     Map Unit Descriptions   Ecosystem: Headwater Fen   Map Component: H1   Seward Area Extent: 4 wetland polygons; 3.3 acres

An H1 pond with emergent water horsetail on the glacier-cut bench above Fourth of July Creek.

Wetland Indicators Type: Pond or lake Average depth to water table: above the surface Organic layer thickness: n/a Average depth to redoximorphic features: n/a Common Soils: open water Common Plant communities: Water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatle) NWI: L2UB1 HGM: Terrene Basin groundwater-dominated Throughflow headwater.

H1 is the Headwater Fen Ecosystem wetland component with open surface water.  H1 also includes areas of floating and emergent vegetation.  Open water is not specifically a "wetland" as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, because it is not vegetated.  It is considered a Deep Water Habitat (if greater than 6.6 feet deep or does not support "rooted-emergent plant species") or a Vegetated Shallow (if less than 6.6 feet deep, and supports only submergent aquatic plants).  All of these habitats are regulated under section 404, as "Waters of the United States" (Environmental Laboratory, 1987). 

Headwater Fen Ecosystem wetlands are typically sloping peatland fens at or near the headwaters of first-order streams.  Seward area Headwater Fens are mapped only on the 800' elevation glacier-cut bedrock bench above Fourth of July Creek.